Does anyone use biodiesel for fuel? If so, how is the performance compared to regualar diesel?

 

I have been using Biodiesel for years now. I contacted Stanadyne (manufacturer of the H1 fuel injection pump) back when I first started using it, to get their take on it. Since I first started using it, a couple of fuel stations have begun offering blends in my area, although I used to have to makea special trip to Maine to go get 100% bio and mix it myself: http://www.serious4x4.com/biodiesel.html

All in all, the biodiesel runs very clean, and the engine seems very happy about it- good performance. In the winter, I run 100% petroleum diesel most of the time, because fuel additives do not work to reduce the "gel point temp" as effectively in biofuel as they do in traditional diesel.

I DID have one issue with a fuel return line ( see http://hummer.off-road.com/hummer/ar....jsp?id=328877) that occured after I had been using biodiesel for a couple of years, sometimes in concentrations as much as 100% biodiesel. I personally think that fuel line was on its way out anyways, but it is possible that the hose degraded sooner because of the solvent properties of the biodiesel - but a newer truck would not be at risk for that kind of problem. The vehicles to be concerned about would be older ones that have latex rubber composition in the hoses.

In short, I personally recommend biodiesel, but be aware of the differences (gel point, doesn't respond to additives the same way, possible hose degradation in older trucks) from petroleum-based diesel.

BTW, I will be writing a full article on biodiesel for OFF-ROAD.COM, probably for March 1st.
Hope that helps some!